Charity Truck Convoy

[icman95]

Every year at this time the Make a Wish Foundation runs a truck convoy here in CT to raise money. The event is called Wishes on Wheels and is a great time. While the bulk of the vehicles that show up are commercial, there are pickups that do show as trucks of any type are welcomed. The company I work for usually has their trucks and drivers in it, but is unable to participate this year. Therefore I am dressing up my Ram and going with my wife. I think it would be interesting if a bunch of TDR members showed up. It is this Sunday 9/21/08 at the FedEx Ground terminal off exit 71 on I-84 (Ruby Rd exit) 9am-but show up early. In previous years the cost was $20 per truck and this gets you in the convoy, one lunch ticket, a t-shirt and, if you want, into the judging for a trophy (best truck type of stuff). I'd imagine it's still $20 as the price hasn't changed all these years. It travels up and back on I-84 generally to East Hartford. Here's the link:



Wishes On Wheels



I'd be happy to anwer questions.

 

[Signal73]

sundays are no good for me for the next month or so or I would take a ride up.

 

[icman95]

Oh well, maybe next year for you.

 

[Signal73]

get some pics if you could

 

[icman95]

No problem. I"ll see what I can upload. Also, I know that in past years there have been TV cameras there. Maybe it'll be on the evening news.



I spent every night after work this week washing/waxing/cleaning my truck and came to this profound realization:



You never know how many dings and blemishes are in your paint until you wax it. The shine really brings them out.

 

[icman95]

Here are some pics from the convoy. First and foremost it was, of course, a charity event to raise money for the children served by the Make A Wish foundation. Secondly, it was a GREAT TIME!! I belive they said 454 trucks showed up. We were truck #240 out of the bunch, so we were almost exactly in the middle. Last year they had a similar number of trucks and the convoy was 11 miles long. I'd imagine it was close to that today. The State Police and the DMV Commercial Safety Officers escorted us up and back as well as blocked the entrance ramps so that we could get by safely without cars cutting in. They did a great job.



They had a separate group for pickups right in between the big trucks. It worked out well. There were only 2 diesel p/u's. Us and the Duramax behind us. All the others were gassers including the '55 Chevy that won best in class. After everyone got back and had lunch, they gave rides in a monster truck for $5 a head which went towards the cause. The excitement at the end of the day was provided by another monster truck which crushed 2 Volvos.



While we were qued up waiting for the rows of trucks in front of us to go everyone was wailing on air horns, revving their engines, and just having the kind of fun you always want to, but usually can't. There was a Kenworth 2 rows over revving it up to get smoke to come out of his stacks. It was, by TDR standards, unimpressive. I started up mine and showed him how it was done. I could see him pointing at us and laughing. What a great time!



I'm sorry I didn't give enough notice this year so that some TDR people could make plans to come. Next year I'll get on it sooner, but mark your calendars now. Sept. 20, 2009.



First pic our truck, second pic my navigator, photographer and lovely wife who not only allowed me to play with my toy today, but had a good time herself (but told me that she'll deny it when asked!)



I've posted the link to my photo gallery for the whole event below.



Kodakgallery.com Slideshow

 

[icman95]

Can only post 5 at a time, so here's more.

 

[icman95]

Last one, I promise.

 

[6BT-Dakota]

For next year try to get it posted up as soon as you find out about it. Maybe we can get a good sized gathering of TDR, Comp. Diesel, NETDP trucks that would love to do this. I love doing charity runs, you can never go wrong when "Its for the kids". If you need someone to post it on the other boards let me know, im good at plastering things all over the place.



Rob

 

[icman95]

Actually, Rob, I'd love it. Get the word out. UPS showed up with 68 trucks this year and took the trophy for most trucks in the convoy. Wouldn't it be great if the TDR people could get more than that.



I wish I could have posted it earlier, but I wasn't sure if I was going to take my truck or drive my boss's until way late in the process. I'll post in enough time next year, but as a heads up it will be the third Sat. in Sept. 9/20/09.



Also, I see you're from PA. The trophy for farthest traveled went to a driver from A. Duie Pyle who came all the way from York, PA.

 

[icman95]

If there are a bunch of people coming from a bit further away, I might be able to arrange a place to park a camper so that you could come up the night before. The convoy takes off around 9am, so it is imperative that we arrive around 8 or so. Makes it kinda hard if you're coming from out of state unless you spend the night prior. I can park my camper in my driveway and host some people. If others need to stay, they can bring campers and we'll have to work something out.



I'm already looking forward to it even though it's 11 1/2 months away.